News

Umar Akmal, Junaid fined for Pakistan Cup spat

Umar Akmal and Junaid Khan have been fined 50% of their match fee, after a report submitted by the PCB's inquiry committee that looked into Umar's comments on Junaid's availability for the match

Umar Farooq
Umar Farooq
17-May-2017
Junaid Khan was involved in a spat with Umar Akmal after he missed a Pakistan Cup match  •  Getty Images

Junaid Khan was involved in a spat with Umar Akmal after he missed a Pakistan Cup match  •  Getty Images

Umar Akmal and Junaid Khan have been fined 50% of their match fee for misconduct in an incident related to a Pakistan Cup List A match in April. The PCB had set up an inquiry committee to look into the controversy, which centred around Umar's comments on Junaid's availability for the match, and the committee submitted its report to the board on Wednesday.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board has imposed a fine, i.e. fifty percent of the match fee, to Umar Akmal and Junaid Khan for their misconduct at the Pakistan Cup 2017 held last month in Rawalpindi," PCB said in a statement. "The Board has also warned the two players that they will be under observation for a month starting 18th May and reoccurrence of breach of discipline will lead to one-month suspension."
Umar, who captained Punjab in the tournament, was asked about team changes during the toss in the match against Sindh. He stated that Nasir Nawaz had replaced Junaid in the XI. When pressed for reasons, Umar stated he was surprised by Junaid's absence at the ground.
"I just found out when I walked into the ground that he [Junaid] is absent," Umar had said. "I'm very surprised. The manager and coach told me he's not going to be playing today. It's shocking news for me, as captain."
For his part, Junaid, in a rebuttal issued through a short video clip, stated he was unwell and had been advised rest, and that the team management had been made aware of his condition. ESPNcricinfo understands Umar was aware of the situation before the toss.
"I am saddened to hear the remarks Umar Akmal made on television, saying 'I ran away from the team'. I have not run away," Junaid said. "I am dealing with a case of food poisoning and the team management is aware of that. In fact, I was advised by the team doctor not to play today. Umar Akmal knew of this, and it was a shock for me to hear him say what he did, and I don't know why he said it."
Both players are part of Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in June.

Umar Farooq is ESPNcricinfo's Pakistan correspondent